The Last Set of Plagues
These two chapters contain the
last set of plagues (15:1). How do we know the judgments [i.e. seals, trumpets,
and bowls] are sequential in order?[1] We
know because 15:1 says they “…are the last, for with them the wrath of God is
finished.” The implication of them being the last is that there was something
that was placed first. In other words, these angels would not be considered the
last if the bowl judgments simply paralleled the seals and trumpets. Some might
try to argue that this is merely the last parallel given in the account, but
even that interpretation falls short because it is not John’s visions that are finished, but God’s wrath.
This is also the only set of
plagues, out of the three that are described in this book, where all seven are
poured out on mankind without any interruption in the text. The seals are
broken, and the trumpets are played all the way up to number six, but before
they reach number seven there is a break in the text — a parenthetical thought
of something else that is going on either in Heaven or on Earth. However, as
soon as the first bowl is poured out, it is like they continue at lightning
speed. This may suggest that, due to their severity, these judgments take place
pretty close to the end of the Tribulation period. Jesus did say in Matthew
24:22, speaking of the Great Tribulation at the end of this age, that “…if
those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved.”
Continue on to read about chapter 17.
Continue on to read about chapter 17.
*Click here to read the purpose of this blog series.
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